Top Travel Destinations Outside of Chicago

The state of Illinois is home to a variety of famous travel destinations, most of which are within the city of Chicago. Have you ever considered taking a road trip west to see what treasures you’ll find there? Offering a different view of the state, the area near Rockport is home to a variety of places to visit that will leave you in awe.

Pick up your a rental car at the ORD car rental airport location and get ready for the road trip of a lifetime.

Anderson Japanese Gardens

318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, IL 61107

A drive west from the O’Hare International Airport will lead you right to the Anderson Japanese Gardens. Open from the end of April until the end of October, this beautiful garden was inspired by Oregon’s Portland Japanese Garden. With the help and expertise of Hoichi Kurisu, every aspect of this garden has been carefully considered to stay true to traditional Japanese design.

Originally the garden of John and Linda Anderson, this non-profit entity maintains the cozy feel of a private backyard, just on a grander scale than most of us are used to. Hoping to inspire visitors, this garden can be viewed by private tour every day of the week during the warmer months.

The Laurent House

4646 Spring Brook Road, Rockford, IL 61114

Just down the road from the Anderson Japanese Garden, you’ll find another gem nestled into this part of the state. Designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the Laurent House is an example of how beautiful a building designed around the needs of someone with a physical disability can be—decades before the Americans with Disabilities Act set out accessibility standards.

Designed for Ken and Phyllis Laurent, this home is completely accessible to those in wheelchairs, as Ken was paraplegic. Wright designed nearly every piece of furniture within the home, making this design truly one-of-a-kind. Open during the spring and summer months, this home is an excellent stop for lovers of architecture and art.

Rock Cut State Park

7318 Harlem Road, Loves Park, IL 61111

Home to an abundance of wildlife, trails, fishing, hunting, and camping, you’ll find something fun to do at Rock Cut State Park regardless of the season. The spring and summer months offer the added beauty of wildflowers filling the area, and are also a good time to view birds and other wildlife.

During your visit, you can easily opt to explore the beautiful trails by foot, bike, or horseback, since each trail is clearly marked with what means of transportation is appropriate. Take some time for peace and quiet as you fish out on Pierce Lake. Whether you choose to camp out and spend a few days here or come for a serene afternoon picnic, Rock Cut State Park is the exact opposite of the hustle and bustle of Chicago city life.

O'Hare Car Rental

There is no better way to road trip through Illinois than in a rental car. Rent a car in Chicago, set your GPS, and head due west until you find the nice, quiet pace of life around Rockport. With a variety of vehicles to choose from, and ease in reservation and pickup with the Avis app, we have you covered. Simply book your rental car, pick it up at O’Hare upon arrival, and get on your way to adventure.